Heat pumps

ABSTRACT

A heat pump for a pool or spa may include a human-machine interface (HMI). The HMI of the heat pump may be movable relative to a housing or body of the heat pump such that regardless of the location and orientation of the installation of the body of the heat pump, the HMI may be positioned so that it is accessible to a user. A heat pump may additionally or alternatively include means for managing condensate created by operation of said heat pump.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/173,011, filed Apr. 9, 2021 and entitled HEAT PUMPS, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water-heating systems for water-containing vessels and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to heat pumps for swimming pools or spas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heat pumps are commercially available for use in connection with many different pools and spas. For example, Zodiac Pool Care Europe (the applicant hereof) sells heat pumps under the marks “Z200,” “Z400 iQ,” “ZS500,” and “Z600.” U.S. Pat. No. 9,212,835 to Berens discloses additional information concerning other exemplary types of heat pumps and uses therefor.

Among challenges associated with using existing heat pumps is that the human-machine interface (HMI), or control pad, of the apparatus must be readily accessible to a user desiring to change any operational characteristic of the apparatus. As an example, if the HMI is present on a nominal front surface of an apparatus, that front surface cannot be placed closely adjacent a wall, as the user could not then access the HMI. Accordingly, static placement of an HMI of a conventional heat pump restricts the locations and orientations at which the apparatus may be installed.

Additionally challenging in connection with existing heat pumps is management of condensate associated with their use. For many heat pumps, condensate is allowed simply to drip onto the ground or other surfaces on which the apparatus are mounted. Such a result is not always desirable either aesthetically or functionally. This result also “wastes” water that could be used in alternative manners instead.

SUMMARY

Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a heating device includes a body and a cap repositionable relative to the body. The cap may include an HMI.

According to some embodiments, a method of installing a heat pump for a swimming pool includes mounting a body of the heat pump in a fixed position on a surface, attaching a cap having an HMI to the body in a first orientation relative to the body, and changing an orientation of the cap relative to the body to a second orientation different from the first orientation while maintaining the fixed position of the body.

According to some embodiments, a heat pump includes an evaporator, an outlet for returning water to a swimming pool, and means for moving condensate created by operation of the evaporator to the outlet.

According to certain embodiments, a heat pump includes a cap having an HMI. The HMI may include a light source, the cap may include an opening, and light emitted from the light source may be reflected through the opening.

According to some embodiments, a heat pump includes a cap having an HMI and mounting means. At least one of a plurality of heat pump accessories are attachable to the heat pump via the mounting means.

According to various embodiments, a heat pump includes a body, and the body includes a first wall, a second wall, and a beveled face extending between the first wall and the second wall. The beveled face extends at an oblique angle relative to the first wall and the second wall.

According to certain embodiments, a method of heating water of a swimming pool includes (i) causing water from the swimming pool to travel to an inlet of a heat pump, (ii) heating the water from the swimming pool, (iii) causing the heated water to exit an outlet of the heat pump for return to the swimming pool, and (iv) causing condensate created by operation of an evaporator of the heat pump to mix with the heated water returning to the swimming pool.

Various implementations described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat pump with an HMI according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an installation with the heat pump of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the heat pump of FIG. 1 with a cap removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a body of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the upper portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a portion of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portion of the heat pump of FIG. 10 with a lid removed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cap of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a portion of the cap and HMI of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a portion of the cap and HMI of the heat pump of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 17A-C illustrate the heat pump of FIG. 1 with the HMI in different orientations relative to the body of the heat pump.

FIG. 18 illustrates a portion of the cap of the heat pump of FIG. 1 with an illumination path.

FIG. 19 illustrates a base of the heat pump of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a condensate management system of the heat pump of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 21A-D illustrate portions of the condensate management system of FIG. 20.

FIGS. 22A-D illustrate exemplary add-on assemblies that may be attached to the heat pump of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 23A-C illustrate exemplary water connectors for the heat pump of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements. As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Described herein are heat pumps and associated systems and methods for resolving the aforementioned challenges associated with existing heat pumps and other challenges associated with existing heat pumps. In some embodiments, heat pumps described herein include an HMI that is movable relative to a housing, or body, of the heat pump. In such embodiments, regardless of the location and orientation of the installation of the body of the heat pump, the HMI may be positioned so that it is accessible to a user. This approach materially enhances the positional flexibility of the apparatus, rendering it suitable for use in more areas than conventionally would be available.

Additionally or alternatively, heat pumps described herein may include management systems for condensate associated with use of such heat pumps. As an example, heat pumps described herein may route condensate from the apparatus to the swimming pool or spa rather than allow it merely to drip beneath the apparatus under force of gravity. Doing so undoubtedly minimizes the volume of water leaking from, or otherwise exiting, the heat pump onto the ground or other mounting surface. It also avoids “wasting” the water by instead using the water further to fill the pool or spa. Heat pumps and associated systems and methods provided herein may also allow for improved attachment of accessories to the heat pump and/or improved communication with a user of the heat pumps. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIGS. 1-21D illustrate an exemplary heat pump 10 according to embodiments of the invention. The heat pump 10 includes a body 14, a base 77, and a cap 18. As discussed in detail below, in some embodiments the cap 18 may beneficially incorporate an HMI 22.

Heat Pump Body

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the body 14 of the heat pump 10 includes walls 13 that define a housing area 43 (see FIG. 5). The walls 13 define a top end 15 and a bottom end 17 of the body 14 (see FIG. 3). As discussed in detail below, the cap 18 may be supported at the top end 15 of the body 14, and the bottom end 17 may engage the base 77 when the heat pump 10 is assembled. The walls 13 may be separate components that are joined together using various fastening or joining mechanisms as desired (e.g., including but not limited to mechanical fasteners). In other embodiments, the walls 13 may be monolithically or integrally formed (e.g., including but not limited to formed by bending a sheet of metal). In the embodiment illustrated, the body 14 has a rectangular shape or profile such that adjacent walls are orthogonal or generally orthogonal to each other; however, in other embodiments, the body 14 may have other shapes or profiles as desired. As such, the shape of the body 14 and/or the number of walls 13 illustrated should not be considered limiting.

In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 4, the heat pump 10 may include features such that it can be installed closer to a wall 91 than possible with conventional heat pumps. As a non-limiting example, the features may allow for the heat pump 10 to be positioned as close as approximately 10 cm to the wall 91 as shown in FIG. 4, compared with traditional heat pumps that need to be more than 50 cm away from wall 91 to accommodate inlet and/or outlet tubing for the heat pump. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in certain embodiments, such features may include a recessed or beveled face 92, and the beveled face 92 may include one or more of an inlet 96 and/or an outlet 98 for the heat pump 10. In these embodiments, the beveled face 92 may allow for inlet and/or outlet tubing 102 connected to heat pump 10 (via the inlet 96 and/or the outlet 98) to lay flat or nearly flat against wall 91 at the connection point with heat pump 10. Such connection in turn enables the heat pump 10 to be positioned closer to wall 91 than would otherwise be possible. In other embodiments, the inlet 96 and/or the outlet 98 need not be provided on the beveled face 92, and the inlet 96 and/or the outlet 98 may be provided on other portions of the heat pump 10 and/or the body 14. As an example, the inlet 96 and/or the outlet 98 may be provided on one or more of the walls 13.

In various embodiments, the beveled face 92 extends between adjacent walls 13 of the body 14. When included, the beveled face 92 may extend at an oblique angle relative to the walls 13 of the body. In some non-limiting examples, the beveled face 92 may be a rear panel positioned at an angle of approximately 5-45°, inclusive, relative to adjacent walls 13 of body 14 of heat pump 10. Optionally, a height of the beveled face 92 may be less than the height of the walls 13 (i.e., the beveled face 92 optionally does not extend from the bottom end 17 to the top end 15). However, in other embodiments, the beveled face 92 may have other heights relative to the walls 13 as desired, including having the same height as the walls 13.

Referring to FIGS. 23A-C, in addition to or instead of including the beveled face 92, one or more non-linear water connectors 104 (e.g., water connectors having opposing ends 105, 107 that extend in at least two directions and/or define a non-linear flow path) may be used to connect the tubing 102 to the inlet 96 and/or the outlet 98. A non-limiting example of a non-linear water connector may be a 45° water connector 104 such as illustrated in FIG. 23A-B, or a water connector having a first end and a second end that is at a 45° angle relative to the first end. In some embodiments, the water connectors 104 may be adjustable to be at various angles as desired. Optionally, the water connectors 104 may be configurable between a linear orientation and a non-linear orientation, and/or within the non-linear orientation, the water connectors 104 may be adjustable between various angles. As one non-limiting example, the water connectors 104 may be configurable between a linear orientation and a non-linear orientation in which the ends 105, 107 are at a 45° angle. As another non-limiting example, the ends 105, 107 may be at a 90° angle. As another non-limiting example, the water connectors 104 may be configurable between a first non-linear orientation (e.g., a 45° angle) and a second non-linear orientation (e.g., a 5° angle, a 35° angle, etc.). Non-linear water connectors in addition to or in place of the beveled face 92 may provide further space savings between the heat pump 10 and any adjacent wall. Various types of non-linear water connectors may be used as desired. In some embodiments, such water connectors may include threading and/or other complimentary features adapted to heat exchanger connectors (e.g., a male connector to match the female connector on the heat pump 10) (see, e.g., FIG. 23A).

Referring to FIG. 23B, the water connectors 104 (or other suitable connectors) optionally may include a feature (such as a tab 109 or other projection) to facilitate connection and disconnection of the water connectors 104. As an example, a user may pull/push the tab(s) 109 to help screw and unscrew the water connectors with the tubing 102 and the heat pump 10. The water connectors 104 (or other suitable connectors) optionally may include a seal (e.g., rubber) trapped in a groove of the connectors in a loose, but not stuck, fashion.

Referring to FIG. 23C, water connectors 104 provided herein optionally include one or more position indicators 111 (e.g., markings) for positioning of the connector 104. Specifically, since the starting position of the connector and the thread length impact the final screwed position, the one or more position indicators 111 may help align the 45° water connector (or other non-linear water connector) in the proper position once threaded with the tubing 102 and the heat pump 10. When included, the one or more position indicators help inform an installer or other user regarding how to position the water connector in the female fitting to ensure proper orientation of the male connector in the suitable area. Other types of features facilitating installation of the heat pump 10 may be included on or with the body 14 as desired, and the beveled face 92 and/or water connectors should not be considered limiting.

As mentioned, the walls 13 define the housing area 43. Referring to FIG. 5, for example, part or all of a heat exchanger 70 (e.g., such as but not limited to an evaporator) may be contained partially or completely within the body 14, as may a controller (e.g., processor and/or memory and/or other electronic logic) for the heat pump 10 (see, e.g., a printed circuit board or regulation board 26 as a portion of the controller in FIG. 5). If appropriate, the heat pump 10 additionally or alternatively may comprise other standard or optional components supported on, by, or within the body 14, such as, but not limited to, a condenser, the heat exchanger 70, a compressor, a fan 28, combinations thereof, and/or other components or features as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, in various embodiments, the body 14 includes an upper support 23. When included, the upper support 23 may define a support location for one or more components of the heat pump 10. In the embodiment illustrated, the upper support 23 includes a central aperture 25 that may at least partially receive the fan 28.

The upper support 23 may also support the cap 18 of the heat pump 10 and/or allow for rotation and/or orientation of the cap 18 relative to the body 14. In such embodiments, the upper support 23 of the body 14 may include attachment features 29 facilitating attachment of the cap 18 to the body 14. In the embodiment illustrated, the attachment features 29 are screw apertures configured to received mechanical fasteners such as screws; however, other types of attachment features 29 may be used as desired. The upper support 23 optionally defines one or more support locations 27, and when the cap 18 is assembled, the cap 18 may be positioned and/or oriented relative to the upper support 23 such that the HMI 22 is aligned with one of the support locations 27. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the upper support 23 of the body 14 optionally may include a plurality of clips 59, which may facilitate installation of cables or wiring to the board 26 (wiring represented by dashed line 65 in FIG. 6) and accommodation of any surplus-length of cables or wiring. In such embodiments, the clips 59 (or other storage features as desired) may store the cables and/or wiring tightly enough to contain them and avoid any interaction with fan blades of the fan 28, yet loose enough to allow slack so the cables/wiring can rotate with cap 18 as cap 18 rotates into the desired orientation (discussed in detail below).

Heat Pump Cap

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 9-18, the heat pump 10 includes the cap 18, and the cap 18 may include the HMI 22. In certain embodiments, the cap 18 is supported at or proximate to the top end 15 of the body 14. In various embodiments, and as discussed in detail below, the cap 18 may be movable relative to the body 14 such that regardless of the location and orientation of the installation of the body of the heat pump, the HMI 22 may be positioned so that it is accessible to a user.

Referring to FIG. 1, for example, the HMI 22 may include an interface 30 and an optional cover 34. The interface 30 may include one or more selectable features that a user may utilize to receive information from the heat pump 10 and/or to perform various controls of the heat pump 10. Non-limiting examples of selectable features may include real and/or virtual buttons 38, a display 42, knobs, dials, a touchscreen, sub-combinations thereof, and/or other means by which a user may engage the heat pump 10 for receiving or providing information to the heat pump 10, such as to change operating characteristics of heat pump 10. When the display 42 is included, the display 42 may provide information to the user, such as confirming the user's changes, providing status indications of the heat pump 10, and/or providing other information to the user as desired.

If present, the cover 34 may help protect interface 30 from damage caused by, for example, the external environment. As shown, cover 34 may be configured to pivot about an axis 46 so as to cover, or reveal, the interface 30. In other embodiments, the cover 34 may have other configurations as desired and/or may be movable relative to the cap 18 using other techniques or mechanisms as desired. As a non-limiting example, the cover 34 may include two sub-covers, each of which is hingedly attached to the cap 18. Other types of covers 34 may be used as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 16, the HMI 22 may include at least one printed circuit board (PCB), denoted as HMI board 58 in FIG. 3D. The HMI board 58 may include electronic and other components and devices suitable for operation of HMI 22. As non-limiting examples, the HMI board 58 may include processing logic, control logic, memory, actuators, and wired or wireless transmit and receive equipment. Alternatively, some of these components may be included on the regulation circuit board 26. A lower cover 84 optionally may be included for protecting the HMI board 58; however, in other embodiments, the lower cover 84 may be omitted.

In some optional embodiments, the heat pump 10 may include a light guide reflective assembly. In such embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18, one or more light sources may be provided on the HMI board 58, and light emitted from the one or more light sources may be reflected through the cap 18 and/or the body 14. In the embodiment illustrated, the light sources are one or more light emitting diodes (LEDS) 80 mounted or otherwise affixed to HMI board 58, such as to a bottom face 61 of HMI board 58. In certain embodiments, the one or more light sources are provided on a face of the HMI board 58 opposite from the one or more selectable features. Although three LEDS 80 are illustrated, any suitable number may be included.

In addition to the one or more light sources, the body 14 and/or the cap 18 may include an opening 83 through which light emitted from LEDS 80 (or other light sources) may pass. In the embodiment illustrated, the opening 83 is defined in the cap 18. In some cases, as shown in FIG. 18, the light (represented by arrow 79) emitted from the one or more LEDs 80 may be reflected off the optional cover 84 and directed to the opening 83. In such embodiments, the cover 84 may be configured to protect the HMI board 58 in addition to reflecting light emitted from the LEDS 80. In such embodiments, the cover 84 may include various characteristics or features for facilitating reflection of light from the light sources. As a non-limiting example, the cover 84 may have a white coating to optimize the light reflectance. Optionally, the light guide reflective assembly may include a diffuser 87 that diffuses the reflective light before it passes through opening 83. Various other components or features may be used with the light guide reflective assembly for controlling the optical characteristics of the light emitted through the opening 83.

In certain embodiments, the HMI board 58 may be programmed so the color emitted from LEDS 80 provides a visual indication to a user of HMI 22 about a status or operating state of heat pump 10. In such embodiments, at least one characteristic of the one or more light sources may be controlled to provide different information to the user about the heat pump 10. For example, LEDS 80 emitting a first color light may be activated when heat pump 10 is in a first operating state, while LEDS 80 emitting a second color light may be activated when heat pump 10 is in a second operating state, and so forth (e.g., a first light color may correspond to a heating state, while a second light color may correspond to a cooling state, while a third light color may correspond to an error state, etc.). In other embodiments, the light sources may be controlled to have a steady/constant on pattern for a first status, a first blinking pattern for a second status, etc. Various other controls of the light sources may be used as desired to provide various information about the heat pump 10.

In addition to supporting the HMI 22, [0001] various optional add-on assemblies for heat pump 10 may be attached via the cap 18. As an example, and referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the cap 18 may include a lid 89, which may be plastic or any suitable material, that is easily removable from cap 18. In such embodiments, removal of the lid 89 may expose screw inserts 93 that permit mounting of the desired add-on assembly to heat pump 10 via cap 18. Referring to FIGS. 22A-D, non-limiting examples of add-on assemblies include an air deflector 63 (FIG. 22B), a cosy (aesthetically pleasing/comforting) light fixture or assembly 53 (FIG. 22A), a combination air deflector/cosy light assembly structure 55 (FIG. 22C), a technical room kit 57 (FIG. 22D), combinations thereof, and/or other structures as desired.

As mentioned, the cap 18 is movable and repositionable relative to the body 14. In certain embodiments, the cap 18 may be easily removed from, and easily attached (or re-attached) to, the body 14. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a simple screw-hole fastening system in which four screws attach the cap 18 to the body 14. Regardless of the orientation of cap 18, one of its openings 50 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) can align with each corresponding attachment feature 29 (see FIG. 7) of body 14 and receive a screw or other attachment device. In other embodiments, other attachment mechanisms or features may be used to attach the cap 18 to the body 14.

In at least some versions of heat pump 10, cap 18 may be moved relative to body 14 without disconnecting any cables or wiring to board 26. In certain embodiments, the cap 18 may be moved relative to the body 14 without removing the cap 18 from the body 14. In some embodiments, the cap 18 optionally may include movement mechanisms to facilitate movement of the cap 18 relative to the body 14. Such movement mechanisms may include sliders, rollers, gears, combinations thereof, and/or other mechanisms facilitating movement of the cap 18 relative to the body 14 as desired. In other embodiments, the cap 18 need not include movement mechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 17A-C, the HMI 22 (as part of cap 18) may be movable relative to the body 14 to have a desired orientation or position relative to the body 14. In each of FIGS. 17A-C, the body 14 is oriented so that, e.g., the board 26 appears on the right-hand side of the body 14 (the board 26 is visible in the drawings because part of body 14 is cut-away.) For comparison purposes, FIG. 17B illustrates a “standard,” or “nominal,” placement of the cap 18 so that the HMI 22 is present in the lower left-hand side of the figure. The placement illustrated in FIG. 17B may be useful, for example, if the body 14 is positioned such that the walls 13 that arrows 95 are pointing towards are positioned most proximate to a wall. By contrast, in FIG. 17A, the HMI 22 is located in the upper left-hand side of the figure, such placement being useful, for example, if the body 14 is positioned relative to a wall such that the walls 13 with arrows 95 are most proximate to the wall. In FIG. 17C, the HMI 22 is located in the lower right-hand side of the figure, such placement being useful, for example, if the body 14 is positioned such that walls 13 with arrows 95 are most proximate to a wall. Although not shown in any of FIGS. 17A-C, in some versions of the heat pump 10, the cap 18 may be rotated so that HMI 22 is located in the upper right-hand side of a figure.

The change in orientation of the HMI 22 relative to the body 14 may occur due to the movability of cap 18 relative to body 14. The movability of the HMI 22 relative to the body 14 may allow for the HMI 22 to remain accessible to a user regardless of how the body 14 of the heat pump 10 is installed at a particular location. This is true notwithstanding that various portions of body 14 may be positioned immediately adjacent the walls (with exemplary distances as small as 2 cm, 10 cm, 18 cm, and 20 cm, among others).

Condensate Management System

Referring to FIGS. 19-21D, in certain embodiments, heat pumps 10 described herein may include a condensate management system 31, which may route condensate from the heat pump 10 to the swimming pool or spa rather than allow it merely to drip beneath the apparatus under force of gravity. Such condensate management systems may minimize the volume of water leaking from, or otherwise exiting, the heat pump 10 onto the ground or other mounting surface and may also avoid wasting the water by instead using the water further to fill the pool or spa.

In certain embodiments, the condensate management system 31 includes means for moving condensate created by operation of the heat pump 10 to the outlet 98 of the heat pump 10. In various embodiments, the condensate management system 31 includes the base 77 of the heat pump 10. As illustrated in FIG. 19, in some optional embodiments, the base 77 of the heat pump 10 may include a steep/sloped surface 99 that directs the condensate toward an area 85 (e.g., adjacent an inner wall 97 in the embodiment of FIG. 19) that may facilitate movement of the condensate to the means for moving the condensate. Optionally, the base 77 may further include a drainage port 54 allowing for the base 77 to be selectively drained; however, in other embodiments, the drainage port 54 may be omitted.

As shown conceptually in FIG. 20, condensate formed through operation of the evaporator of heat pump 10 may drip to the bottom region 60 of the body 14 and/or in the base 77. From there, the condensate may be pumped or otherwise transferred (represented by arrows 81) directly or indirectly to a return line 62 from the heat pump 10 for introduction of the condensate into a swimming pool 66 or other body of water. Preferably (although not necessarily), the condensate may be mixed with water output from a heat exchanger 70 so that only one return line 62 is needed.

FIGS. 21A-B illustrate a peristaltic pump 74 as available to pump condensate to return line 62. Persons skilled in the art will, of course, recognize that other means for moving the condensate may be utilized as desired, including other types of pumps and/or or other processes (e.g. Venturi effect, gravity) may be used instead to move the condensate. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21C, a saddle/paddle clamp 78 (or other introducing means) may be provided on, around, or proximate to the outlet 98 of the body 14, which may allow for the condensate to enter return line 62. FIG. 21A further illustrates a filtration pump 86 and an outboard line 90 allowing pool water to flow from the pool 66 to the inlet 96 of the body 14 for heating by the heat pump 10. FIGS. 21A and 21D also illustrate a suction strainer and/or filtrating foam 75, which optionally may be used to strain and/or filter any debris from the collected condensate before it is pumped (or otherwise returned) to the return line 62. Other filtering means optionally may be used in other embodiments. As mentioned, and referring back to FIG. 19, the steep/sloped surface 99 of the embodiment illustrated directs the condensate toward the area 85 in the vicinity of suction strainer and/or filtrating foam 75. Various other components or features may be included with the condensate management system 31 in addition to the means for moving condensate created by operation of the heat pump 10 to the outlet 98 of the heat pump 10, and the features illustrated in FIGS. 19-21D should not be considered limiting.

Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:

-   -   A. A heating device for a swimming pool or spa comprising a body         and a cap repositionable relative to the body, with the cap         comprising an HMI.     -   B. The heating device according to statement A, wherein the cap         is repositionable while maintaining connections of cabling or         wires to the HMI.     -   C. The heating device according to statement A or B, wherein the         heating device is a heat pump.     -   D. The heating device according to any one of statements A-C,         wherein the HMI comprises at least one selectable feature and at         least one display.     -   E. The heating device according to any one of statements A-D,         wherein the at least one selectable feature and the at least one         display are provided on a first surface of the HMI, and wherein         the HMI further comprises at least one light source on a second         surface opposite from the first surface.     -   F. The heating device according to any one of statements A-E,         wherein the cap comprises an aperture, and wherein an         illumination path is defined from the at least one light source         to the aperture.     -   G. The heating device according to any one of statements A-F,         wherein the cap further comprises a cover movable relative to         the cap for preventing access to the HMI or providing access to         the HMI.     -   H. The heating device according to any one of statements A-G,         wherein the body further comprises an upper support, wherein the         upper support comprises a plurality of predefined support         locations, and wherein the cap is repositionable such that the         HMI is aligned with one of the plurality of predefined support         locations.     -   I. A method of installing a heat pump for a swimming pool or         spa, comprising mounting a body of the heat pump in a fixed         position on a surface and attaching a cap to the body in a         manner such that an HMI of the cap is accessible to a user of         the heat pump regardless of the fixed position in which the body         is mounted.     -   J. The method according to statement I, wherein changing the         orientation comprises maintaining cabling or wiring connections         with the HMI.     -   K. The method according to statement I or J, wherein changing         the orientation comprises moving the cap to one or more         predetermined orientations.     -   L. The method according to any one of statements I-K, wherein         changing the orientation comprises rotating the cap on the body.     -   M. The method according to any one of statements I-L, wherein         changing the orientation of the cap comprises aligning the HMI         with a corner of the body of the heat pump.     -   N. A heat pump for a swimming pool or spa comprising an         evaporator, an outlet for returning water to the swimming pool         or spa, and means for moving condensate created by operation of         the evaporator to the outlet.     -   O. The heat pump according to statement N, wherein the means for         moving condensate comprise a pump.     -   P. The heat pump according to statement N or O, further         comprising a body and a base, wherein the outlet is on the body,         and wherein the base comprises a directing surface for directing         the condensate towards the means for moving condensate.     -   Q. The heat pump according to any one of statements N-P, wherein         the means for moving condensate indirectly or directly move         condensate to the outlet.     -   R. The heat pump according to any one of statements N-Q, wherein         the means for moving condensate comprise a filtering device.     -   S. A heat pump for a swimming pool or spa comprising a cap         comprising a HMI, wherein the HMI includes an opening through         which light is emitted to reflect an operating state of the heat         pump.     -   T. A heat pump for a swimming pool or spa comprising a cap, the         cap comprising an HMI, wherein the HMI comprises a light source,         and wherein the cap comprises an opening, wherein light emitted         from the light source is reflected through the opening.     -   U. The heat pump according to statement T, wherein at least one         characteristic of the light emitted from HMI is adjustable based         on an operating state of the heat pump.     -   V. The heat pump according to statement T or U, wherein the         light source is a first light source of a plurality of light         sources.     -   W. The heat pump according to any one of statements T-V, wherein         the light source is provided on a first side of the HMI, and         wherein a second side of the HMI comprises a selectable feature         for a user.     -   X. A heat pump for a swimming pool or spa comprising a cap, the         cap comprising an HMI and mounting means, wherein at least one         of a plurality of heat pump accessories are attachable to the         heat pump via the mounting means.     -   Y. The heat pump according to statement X, further comprising         the at least one of the plurality of heat pump accessories,         wherein the plurality of heat pump accessories comprise air         deflectors and light assemblies.     -   Z. A heat pump for a swimming pool or spa comprising a body, the         body comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a beveled face         extending between the first wall and the second wall, wherein         the beveled face extends at an oblique angle relative to the         first wall and the second wall.     -   AA. The heat pump according to statement Z, wherein the beveled         face extends at an approximately 5-45° angle relative to the         first wall and the second wall of the body.     -   BB. The heat pump according to statement Z or AA, wherein the         first wall is orthogonal to the second wall.     -   CC. The heat pump according to any one of statements Z-BB,         wherein the first wall and the second wall each have a height         and extend from a bottom end of the body to a top end of the         body, and wherein a height of the beveled surface is less than         the height of the first wall and less than the height of the         second wall.     -   DD. The heat pump according to any one of statements Z-CC,         wherein the beveled face comprises at least one of an inlet or         an outlet for the heat pump.     -   EE. A method of heating water of a swimming pool or spa, the         method comprising: (i) causing water from the swimming pool or         spa to travel to an inlet of a heat pump; (ii) heating the water         from the swimming pool or spa; (iii) causing the heated water to         exit an outlet of the heat pump for return to the swimming pool         or spa; and (iv) causing condensate created by operation of an         evaporator of the heat pump to mix with the heated water         returning to the swimming pool or spa.

These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention.

The entire contents of the Berens patent are incorporated herein by this reference. Further, although applicant has described heating systems for use with water containing vessels, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention may be employed in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation or therapy and for which cleaning is needed or desired.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A heating device for a swimming pool or spa comprising a body and a cap repositionable relative to the body, with the cap comprising a human-machine interface (HMI).
 2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the cap is repositionable while maintaining connections of cabling or wires to the HMI.
 3. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heating device is a heat pump.
 4. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the HMI comprises at least one selectable feature and at least one display.
 5. The heating device of claim 4, wherein the at least one selectable feature and the at least one display are provided on a first surface of the HMI, and wherein the HMI further comprises at least one light source on a second surface opposite from the first surface.
 6. The heating device of claim 5, wherein the cap comprises an aperture, and wherein an illumination path is defined from the at least one light source to the aperture.
 7. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises a cover movable relative to the cap for preventing access to the HMI or providing access to the HMI.
 8. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises an upper support, wherein the upper support comprises a plurality of predefined support locations, and wherein the cap is repositionable such that the HMI is aligned with one of the plurality of predefined support locations.
 9. A method of installing a heat pump for a swimming pool, the method comprising: mounting a body of the heat pump in a fixed position on a surface; attaching a cap to the body in a first orientation relative to the body, the cap comprising a human-machine interface (HMI); and changing an orientation of the cap relative to the body to a second orientation different from the first orientation while maintaining the fixed position of the body.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein changing the orientation comprises maintaining cabling or wiring connections with the HMI.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein changing the orientation comprises moving the cap to one or more predetermined orientations.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein changing the orientation comprises rotating the cap on the body.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein changing the orientation of the cap comprises aligning the HMI with a corner of the body of the heat pump.
 14. A heat pump for a swimming pool or spa comprising: an evaporator; an outlet for returning water to the swimming pool or spa; and means for moving condensate created by operation of the evaporator to the outlet.
 15. The heat pump of claim 14, wherein the means for moving condensate comprises a pump.
 16. The heat pump of claim 14, further comprising a body and a base, wherein the outlet is on the body, and wherein the base comprises a directing surface for directing the condensate towards the means for moving condensate.
 17. The heat pump of claim 14, wherein the means for moving condensate indirectly or directly moves the condensate to the outlet.
 18. The heat pump of claim 14, wherein the means for moving condensate comprises a filtering device.
 19. A heat pump comprising a cap, the cap comprising a human-machine interface (HMI), wherein the HMI comprises a light source, and wherein the cap comprises an opening, wherein light emitted from the light source is reflected through the opening.
 20. The heat pump of claim 19, wherein at least one characteristic of the light emitted from the HMI is adjustable based on an operating state of the heat pump.
 21. The heat pump of claim 19, wherein the light source is a first light source of a plurality of light sources.
 22. The heat pump of claim 19, wherein the light source is provided on a first side of the HMI, and wherein a second side of the HMI comprises a selectable feature for a user.
 23. A heat pump comprising a cap, the cap comprising an HMI and mounting means, wherein at least one of a plurality of heat pump accessories are attachable to the heat pump via the mounting means.
 24. The heat pump of claim 23, further comprising the at least one of the plurality of heat pump accessories, wherein the plurality of heat pump accessories comprise air deflectors and light assemblies.
 25. A heat pump comprising a body, the body comprising a first wall, a second wall, and a beveled face extending between the first wall and the second wall, wherein the beveled face extends at an oblique angle relative to the first wall and the second wall.
 26. The heat pump of claim 25, wherein the beveled face extends at an approximately 5-45° angle relative to the first wall and the second wall of the body.
 27. The heat pump of claim 25, wherein the first wall is orthogonal to the second wall.
 28. The heat pump of claim 25, wherein the first wall and the second wall each have a height and extend from a bottom end of the body to a top end of the body, and wherein a height of the beveled surface is less than the height of the first wall and less than the height of the second wall.
 29. The heat pump of claim 26, wherein the beveled face comprises at least one of an inlet or an outlet for the heat pump.
 30. A method of heating water of a swimming pool or spa, the method comprising: (i) causing water from the swimming pool or spa to travel to an inlet of a heat pump; (ii) heating the water from the swimming pool or spa; (iii) causing the heated water to exit an outlet of the heat pump for return to the swimming pool or spa; and (iv) causing condensate created by operation of an evaporator of the heat pump to mix with the heated water returning to the swimming pool or spa. 